Willow Acacia: Demanding Tree with “Issues”
Willow acacia is a tall, pendulous tree that is not a true willow, but has many willow-like attributes. But be aware that this is a high maintenance tree that many … Read more
Invasive/Aggressive
Some desert landscape plants are known to be invasive and disrupt our fragile ecosystem. We urge you to avoid these completely! Some plants — even natives — can be overly aggressive when used in the desert landscape. We warn you about those here, too.
Chaste Tree: Profusion of Purple
Chaste “tree”, ironically, naturally grows as a large shrub. But it can be trained to grow as a small tree. Either way, it really stands out in the summer when … Read more
Lantana: Array of Colorful Options
Lantana is a desert-adapted shrubby ground cover that’s carpeted with charming multicolored flowers spring through fall. It’s one of the most popular desert landscape plants for good reason, but this … Read more
Invasive Desert Landscape Plants (Do Not Grow!)
Anyone who has lived in the southwest for some time has heard about invasive plant species such as buffelgrass and stinknet. But there are several landscape plants, including some extremely … Read more
Mexican Petunia: Resilient Favorite
Mexican petunia is a lovely perennial with willow-like leaves and petunia-like purple flowers. It’s resilient, but can sometimes grow ‘too’ enthusiastically. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Cat’s Claw: Tenacious, Aggressive Vine
Cat’s claw vine is often grown to cover blank desert garden walls. It does that extremely well, but at a cost. Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether … Read more
Mexican Evening Primrose: Deceptively Aggressive
Mexican evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that’s blanketed with delicately beautiful pink flowers when in bloom. But be forewarned — it can be deceptively aggressive. Here’s how to … Read more
Desert Broom: Maligned Native Shrub
Desert broom is a controversial plant that people love to hate. It’s often mistakenly accused of being invasive and causing allergies. Discover the crucial roles this southwest native plays in … Read more
Purple Fountain Grass: Sterile or Invasive?
It’s a well-established fact that fountain grass is invasive in the desert southwest. Purple fountain grass is often recommended as a “sterile” alternative that can be planted safely instead. But … Read more
Mexican Feather Grass: Delicate but Aggressive
Mexican feather grass is an unusually delicate, airy desert plant, but don’t let its appearance fool you. It’s surprisingly tough and reseeds aggressively. Here’s how to grow this Central US … Read more
The Problem with Oleanders (& what to plant instead)
Oleander is a popular landscape shrub in the desert southwest. It has many desirable features, but are they enough to offset this plant’s serious drawbacks? Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an … Read more
Yellow Bird of Paradise: Festive Flowers
Yellow bird of paradise is a resilient, fast growing shrub festooned with clusters of yellow flowers. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this South American … Read more